For the PGDE, you'll need an undergraduate degree as well as English and maths qualifications.

Prior classroom experience isn't compulsory, but being able to demonstrate your enthusiasm to teach, as well as talk about the skills you've picked up from doing so, will strengthen your application.

You'll also need to register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. By signing up to PVG you'll be helping training providers identify candidates who are barred from working with disabled or young people.

Where can I get a teaching qualification in Scotland?

There are currently nine higher education institutions offering ITE programmes:

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

University of Aberdeen, School of Education

University of Dundee, School of Education and Social Work

University of Edinburgh, Moray House School of Education

University of Glasgow

University of the Highlands and Islands

University of Stirling

University of Strathclyde, School of Education

University of the West of Scotland, School of Education.

Each university has its own specific entry requirements in addition to the qualifications listed above, so it's always best to check with them directly before applying.

Probationary period

Once you've completed your ITE, and before you're gained full registration status, you'll enter your probationary period. You can complete your probationary period in one of two ways:

The Teacher Induction Scheme ensures a one-year teaching post in a local Scottish authority for all students who have recently obtained their teaching qualifications from a Scottish university. You'll be allocated a post in one of five authorities of your choice. Throughout the year you'll have a maximum class commitment time of 82% to allow for your professional development, as well as access to a mentor teacher for support and guidance.

The flexible route is for candidates who can't commit to a full-time position, have dropped out or aren't eligible for the Teacher Induction scheme, would like to become fully registered in a second subject or would like to complete their probation somewhere other than a Scottish school. The flexible route allows you up to five years to complete your probationary period. You'll document your professional development, which can take the form of supply teaching, teaching in the Scottish independent sector or teaching outside of Scotland.

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How do I apply?

Whether you're looking to apply for the four-year undergraduate programme or the PGDE, you'll submit your application through UCAS Undergraduate.

If you're planning ahead for your probationary period, apply for the Teacher Induction Scheme online via in2teaching when the facility opens in November.

You'll be asked to disclose your five chosen locations in preference order as part of your application. It pays to be open-minded - if you're willing to complete your probation anywhere in Scotland, you could receive a bursary of up to £8,000 and a subsidy on your tax and national insurance payments.

When do I apply?

As you submit your application for teacher training in Scotland through UCAS, the same application dates and deadlines apply as those set for institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For courses starting in 2019, applications open on 5 September 2018 and will close on 15 January 2019.

How much will it cost?

The 2018/19 tuition fee for both undergraduate and PGDE courses is £1,820.

However, if you're a resident of England, Wales or Northern Ireland and hoping to study in Scotland, you'll be required to pay a tuition fee set by the institution you're applying to. This fee can be covered by a student loan from your home funding body the same way it would if you were studying at home.

Is there any funding available?

If you're a Scottish resident, not only will your tuition fees be paid by SAAS, but you'll also receive a maintenance loan, as well as a non-repayable bursary in some cases.

How much additional funding you'll receive will be worked out based on your household income. The maximum yearly amount on offer is £7,625 (comprised of a £5,750 student loan and £1,875 bursary), which you'll qualify for if you're from a household with a combined income of less than £19,000 per annum.

You may still be eligible for funding if you've received funding for a previous degree.

There are also a number of living grants on offer for Scottish residents - SAAS has additional funding opportunities for students who are single parents or who have adult dependants. The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is available to those who qualify - you may have to complete a needs assessment to prove your eligibility.

You'll be entitled to a maintenance loan if you're a student from England, Wales or Northern Ireland, which you'll receive from your home funding body. Contact your chosen institution for guidance on the additional funding you could receive, in the form of scholarships and bursaries.